Lufthansa Welcomes New Leader

Following a pre-established executive succession plan, Lufthansa German Airlines last week officially welcomed as its new CEO and chairman Wolfgang Mayrhuber, formerly deputy chairman of the company's executive board. Jürgen Weber stepped down after 12 years at the top of the carrier's leadership team.

"Under his leadership, Lufthansa will remain ready for change and will develop its strengths, such as vigilance, speed and the choice of the right tools," Weber said of his successor. Lufthansa credited Mayrhuber, who began his career with the carrier in 1970 as an engineer, with leading the carrier's turnaround during the early 1990s. The company also cited Mayrhuber's recent efforts to develop inflight Internet access, wireless technology in airport lounges and executive jet services.

During Weber's tenure, Lufthansa evolved from a state-owned entity "into a profitable aviation group and a founder of the Star Alliance." Weber will stay with the company as chairman of the new Lufthansa supervisory board.

Reaffirming his view that Lufthansa is well on its way to recovery, Weber said, "We have crossed the valley of tears. Our firm foundations have weathered the storm, and the knowledge that a good team will take over at the helm of Lufthansa gives me a feeling of security, even in this difficult situation." Lufthansa recorded a 2002 net profit of $752 million, following a 2001 net loss of $664 million. Like many others, however, the carrier posted a deep loss in this year's first quarter.

Lufthansa also detailed a e30 million program targeting improved service for premium customers. It will introduce a new lie-flat business class seat this fall, and it will follow next summer with exclusive terminals and transfer lounges in Frankfurt and Munich.